RUSTON – The Lady Techsters return to the Thomas Assembly Center for the first of a three-game home stand against SMU on Thursday. The game will be live on ESPN+ and KNBB 97.7.

GAME INFORMATION
Date/Time: Thursday, Dec. 14 | 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: Thomas Assembly Center (Ruston, La.)
TV: ESPN+
Talent: Lyn Rollins (PxP), Victor Howell (Analyst)
Radio: KNBB 97.7 FM | LA Tech Athletics app
Talent: Kyle Roberts
Stats: LATechSports.com/Stats

ABOUT LOUISIANA TECH (2-8)
Louisiana Tech is coming off a loss against Arkansas State, 69-58. The Lady Techsters started the game out hot, shooting 59 percent from the field in the first half. The shots stopped falling in the second half as they finished 45 percent for the game.

Salma Bates and Anna Larr Roberson led the way with 13 and 11 points, respectively. Roberson also finished with eight rebounds.

Silvia Nativi reached the 200-assist plateau against Arkansas State. She contributed seven points, four rebounds, and four assists. For the season, Nativi is No. 5 in CUSA with 35 assists and 3.5 assists per game.

Jianna Morris is having a solid start to her freshman campaign. She averages 7.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Morris has five games with three or more assists.

ABOUT SMU (3-5)
SMU is hitting the road for their first true road game of the season. They started the season with wins over UC Riverside (78-55), Alabama State (96-47), and Nicholls (69-54).

Since then, the Mustangs have lost five in a row to No. 5 Colorado (84-69), Toledo (74-73), Harvard (80-67), No. 13 Baylor (85-61), and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (78-76).

SMU has three players averaging double figures: Tiara Young, Tamia Jones, and Chantae Embry.

Young, who spent two seasons at LSU and two at Houston, leads the way with 20.5 points per game, which ranks 24th nationally. Young has four games of 30 or more points, including a season-high 30 against Colorado.

Jones and Embry are the top returners from last year. Jones averages 10.4 points, three rebounds, four assists, and three steals per game. Embry has 10 points and 5.1 rebounds per game average. Embry is shooting 50 percent from behind the arc with 14 of the team's 45 three-pointers this season.

THE SERIES
LA Tech holds an 18-2 record all-time against SMU. Tech started the series on an 18-game winning streak before dropping the last two. The Lady Techsters remain undefeated against the Mustangs in Ruston.

LADY TECHSTER 50TH REUNION
Louisiana Tech is celebrating the 50th season of Lady Techster basketball. All former Lady Techster coaches, players, and staff are invited to the celebration held during the CUSA home opener against Sam Houston on Jan. 6, 2024. A reception will be held on Friday, Jan. 5, and formal recognition will be during the game.

RSVP at www.latechalumni.org/Techsters50th.

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